Ariana is using her mix of traditional and emerging arts education along with cutting edge technology to build her graphic design masterpieces. "Studying traditional fine arts helps teach us about form, structure, shading techniques, color usage and even abstract theories, all aspects that are also applied to graphic design. Important as it is to learn the latest digital techniques, having a knowledgeable grasp on where the ideas behind such techniques come from is equally important. Having a better understanding of fine arts and how they apply to emerging arts has greatly helped me to improve overall as a graphic designer."

"The division offers a number of assets that I wouldn't be able to find anywhere else. From Day 1, I was taking actual design classes that were both interesting and useful for my career goals. Champlain also offers the latest and best technologies that students are able to take advantage of. Whether it's using the brand new computers and programs in the Perry Barn Studio or equipment like cameras and light kits, literally anything needed for generating the best-quality creative media is made available for free student use."

For Tevin, Champlain helped him break out of his shell and find his voice both literally and figuratively. "I've become more expressive. I'm better able to speak for myself and stand up for myself, and I've become more confident. I'm definitely more social now, and I've made a ton of new friends."

"Something I discovered while attending Champlain that I'd really like to do, now that I've started coming out of my shell a bit, is voice-acting. That's acting out the role of a character in speech only as opposed to playing them physically. I voice-acted for a computer game called You Dunnit that a group of seniors created. That's definitely something I'd like to look into when I get out of college. Maybe I can get a job at a game studio."

Marguerite Dibble wasn't one to wait until after graduation to find her dream job. With assistance from her professors and a great deal of vision and hard work, she founded Birnam Wood Games while still a senior at Champlain College. Staffed entirely by Champlain students, Birnam Wood released its first game to the public months before Marguerite graduated.

"The Bring Your Own Business (BYOBiz) program was always there for advice and making connections. Every faculty member I know constantly asked, 'How can I help?' I participated in Champlain's annual Elevator Pitch contest in 2011 and won first place, which came with a $500 prize that I spent on business expenses."

"I really liked the attitude of Champlain, that it's all about developing professionally. I applied for early admission and got in. It's exactly what I wanted. I only really wanted to go to Champlain. I loved the team dynamic. I felt like I was actually working in a game studio when I came to school every day."

Sean uses his take charge attitude to build a strategy for success in his education and his future. "Being at Champlain has helped me develop that strength."

"My work-study job at Champlain's Career Services Office as a student assistant has been an important learning experience. I schedule meetings, help with web seminars, host meet-and-greets, prepare for internship fairs and help students find resources in their job-searching process. I like being the one who helps everyone else get things done. Game designers have to know a little bit about everything: art design, programming, character, story line development and more. I want to be an asset to a game development team and help them feel proud of their work."